covid:aid confirms Peter Gardiner as its latest Trustee

covid:aid has added Peter Gardiner, an expert Consultant in international agricultural research and former Senior Advisor to CGIAR (an organisation conducting international agricultural research for development) to its board of Trustees. Peter’s scientific and research background will play an integral role as the UK’s national Covid-19 charity continues to grow its knowledgebase of advice and information.

Peter Gardiner currently provides consultancy services in strategic planning, proposal development and program evaluation relating to international agricultural research, climate change and the environment, and is based in Montpellier, France. His previous experience includes senior roles in conducting or managing scientific research in Kenya, Philippines and Malaysia, or working with the technical oversight body of CGIAR – known today as the Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC) – in strategic assessment, programme planning and review, based at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Italy.

The work of covid:aid resonated with Peter following the global spread of Covid-19 and its capacity to cause short and long-term damage, both of which demand further investigation.

Peter said, “The world is learning, but still managing Covid with substantial uncertainty, an uncertainty that encompasses Long Covid and the nature of the reverberation of the disease across the world. I would like to contribute my scientific background and international exposure to help maintain covid:aid’s excellent record of providing balanced scientific knowledge, and as a signpost to sources of advice, for all those actually or potentially affected by the pandemic.”

covid:aid launched in May 2021 to support all people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic across the UK. The charity has since expanded its service offerings to encompass grief and bereavement counselling and Long Covid support, in addition to collaborations with national bodies including the NHS and Asthma and Lung UK on innovative Covid-19 resources.   

Michael MacLennan, founder and Chief Executive at covid:aid, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Peter onto the covid:aid board of Trustees and are eager to incorporate his formidable expertise in the international field of scientific research.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been reminded of the importance of sharing reliable, evidence-based information to keep the public informed, and this is something we are committed to in our role as the UK’s Covid-19 charity. Peter’s input will raise the bar even higher in our endeavours to stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments.”

covid:aid was recently congratulated by a cross-party group of MSPs in a dedicated Scottish Parliamentary Motion which recognised the work and dedication of the charity in its provision of support to people across the UK who have been significantly affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This includes a Community Support platform that connects over 300 users with lasting Covid symptoms as well as Courses containing management strategies for common issues like a loss of smell or taste. Peter is the latest addition to the covid:aid board of Trustees which now stands at nine members in total.